dogbox321

Well its a very good/superb choice. All it needs now is an Accurascale Class 37 for the PTA ore tipplers, and then to cover all options inc 37/5 to 37/9's. Gareth Bayer was involved in the work at Rail Express on the 37/5 & 37/7, so he could hit the ground running on the Type 3....... Only trouble is, will anyone have anything left in the piggybank to afford them? Regards, C. P.S. How about 10% off deals on double/tripple headers? X

Also, if they did hold stock - is there any real incentive to order in the initial stages? Regards, C.

Sorry, but when people loose money, and there is one person at the top that is promising the world and has regrettably delivered little, then by virtue, its going to get personal! Most communication of the company was in the context of "I". If everything had gone "well" then no doubt they would have been basking in the glory, and rightly so. As it is, it didn't. So whose to blame? Likewise - so far every other crowdfunding venture has worked, and the businesses are being successful, and are mainly operated by people from outside the industry, so how come with years of industry experience, its not been possible to pull it off? I feel sorry that the venture has not worked, but loyal people backed it and put trust in the entity, and have lost out through it. There should be accountability for the resultant situation. Regards, C.

Yes, but our modelling colleague was disappointed at the news. Only trying to cheer him up, by looking at the positive of something that didn't inspire him. How does the song go......"Things could be bad, things could be better, things could be bad and they could be much worse!" (No wonder its raining round thee parts LOL!) Regards, C.

395013 - Hornby Visitor Centre. I hope the 013, isn't unlucky for Hornby's sales! Look at the bright side, at least it weren't a guy from the Liverpool area announcing a new company with a range of crowdfunded models, with excellent detail, leading customer service and sales support...... Regards, C.

Probably not with that waist coat........ (Certainly clashes next to 4472!) If you have money to burn....... start with the waist coat! LOL!

Not sure whether this would be viable or not, but a "wild card" I thought I should share - many people have house insurance policies which have legal cover and sometimes even a (free?) legal advice line for the policy holders to contact over queries. Obviously anyone would need to check their T's and C's first, and decide upon its suitability based on their circumstances, any costs, cover by the policy etc.,- but maybe at least, contacting a legal advice helpline may be an option, should someone wish to persue the matter, or even just to identify their legal rights and options in this situation? Just a thought, Regards, C.

Maybe the IP thing was a way to protect value in tooling, cad-cam etc.. I suppose whilst the business owns the work, what rights do those who paid for it have? (I'm expecting none). In hindsight (a wonderful thing!), I'm annoyed that I went for a small fleet of Class 92's (via credit card), and exceptionally thankful that I never re-paid my APT money! Its not the amount of money that I think people are wholly annoyed about, but the fact that they trusted an entity with experience in the industry with their hard earned cash, and that once a project passed its viability point, and then with payments made, then it "should" have continued forward as a progressive project. Likewise, regarding the "lost money" - is anyone telling their other half? I think the reply would be, "Well your not risking buying anymore model trains...." Regards, C.

The only, good, but unfortunate thing in all this, is at least for the APT and Class 92, no-one had out second installments in. Hopefully, non of the crowdfunders have been put into financial difficulty, but ultimately its money they could have spend on their family, not done a day or two rest day work for etc.. I also think its sad, that the talented owner and enthusiastic promoter of model railways will have many problems from this, and has more than likely potentially left the industry, with such a "black cloud" above him. Its hardly an enviable legacy. Also, people offered expressions of interest, which upon viability, then translated into a deposit. Based on this, the numbers were crunched to make things viable. If this is true, then the unviability has come from DJ Models short comings - endless delays (lots of companies have delays - i.e Class 90, TEA tans etc.), but virtually everything has been delayed, including announcements which irrespective of blame, have made people "twitchy" to say the least. Then some have probably thought of wiping out there losses. I think the final nail in the coffin, was probably another manufacturer announcing a 4mm Class 92, a product DJM had invested heavily (via crowdfunders etc) in research, CAD/CAM etc., and then for the competitor to get to tooling first, would reduce demand whenever DJM's came along.... (like with the Class 71). Regards, C.

Don't think Bachmann would do the photographic sides, although Hornby have! Regards, C.

Hi all, latest news.... The other week I e-mailed to ask for an update on Class 92 and APT (fortunately had never repaid my money on this one), and never received a reply. With all the tom-tom drums over the last couple of days, I have tried calling DJ Models on the mobile number on the website to get something first hand. Tried twice and checked the mobile number - both times automated reply from a mobile phone company telling me that I have dialed an incorrect number! Regards, C.

I would agree that more than one person whose strengths compliment each other, is optimal, but by the same argument is an army of people in Barwell and in a factory in China, but it still took 5 years or so for the Class 90 to come out. Regards, C.

Announcements of Announcements is the way forward! GBRf Class 50's perhaps or a brand new model????? Being at a South Eastern it could be an EMU, and with potential prototype on site too! Regards, C.

Thanks Paul, it is on RMweb, but shamefully has not been updated since 2017 as I have just been doing little bits when I can, to get it progressing. Nathald St.Geran is the title, if you wish to peruse. Will have to get on and start adding some more. I wanted to update it so my little boy could see the trials and tribulations I've had with it. I've been at it a good 3 or 4 years now! Maintaining the layout thread It may encourage me to get things done. Most recent thing has been the wiring of the 6 storage sidings, so that the top level depot and sidings can be put in. But that needed a control panel (3 attempts etc), plus a good few hours marking out the plan and adding the mimic diagram, plus cutting and drilling holes for switches...... I'll take a photo of it and put it on the thread tomorrow morning! It shows the track layout pretty well, even if I do say so myself. Regards, C.

Configurable LED screens would be sooooooooo cool!

Thanks! I didn't just have eight.......

They always say there is very little difference between an idiot and a genius. Perhaps there is little difference between heaven and ....... Heres a couple of views of to some, possibly of heaven on earth! (Layout still very much a work in progress, although I did achieve my aim of running a train when the TEA's arrived!) Enjoy! Best Regards, C.

I pre-ordered mine at Hattons, at £168 for 8, which were guaranteed! And thats what I paid! Just before all this nonsense of dictating maximum discounts. Fingers up to Barwell! (Victory perhaps?) Regards, C.

Has anyone else read the instructions - only a 6 month warranty. Seems a little low compared to the usual year, or in occasional cases two! At nearly £180 they should be good for much longer than 6 months.....

I must admit, I am no lover of the internet, and my dad cannot even use it. But in todays world it has become the future of many things, and its actually been forced onto people such as in banking where branches are closing, government wanting people to buy e-tickets for train travel etc. In model railways the internet has not been forced on anyone, but its become very useful in seeing projects come to the fore that never would in the past. Plus as prices have shot up, new companies have entered the market etc., then online retail has grown in popularity, and in the case of the likes of Accurascale its enabled it to both build a market and supply models at reasonable cost. A DC Deltic/Class 92 otherwise would, with normal discounts applied be circa £210 from a model shop. Its not that people don't have a choice, and can use traditional means ie a model shop if they wish, but you are restricting the sphere of products you can purchase. Likewise, look at the havoc internet retail has caused on the high street. Its a change that pretty much needs to be embraced, in order to get the most out of your hobby. Internet shopping demand exists, because people wish to purchase using this channel, and even most model shops now have a website! Its also very easy to compare prices, specs etc., to ensure the customer gets a competitive deal, with relatively little hassle. Plus credit card purchases are protected, and regulations to protect the purchaser. The main problem is, its just too easy to click and order another Deltic via card! Whereas getting 8 £20 notes out your pocket would make you think just a little more! Regards, C.

Another announcement of an announcement - this is getting really popular! Its even took Bachmmann a few years to get into this.....

No Tyseley tape? Thats not very authentic for a 156!

No wonder its took a long time - 2 manufacturers...... D602 Certificate Bachmann, D601 - Dapol? (from Web address above!) I suppose from the days when Dapol were to produce it! Regards, C.

Thanks, but I don't believe it when the Mrs says its been in the wardrobe for years, so doubt she would believe me either! Anyway she won't climb ladders and they are tucked away in the loft! Simples! Regards, C.

I think the key thing here is "Caveat Emptor" - Let the buyer beware! (Sorry but I don't think there is probably Latin for Crowdfunding). I think there are a few issues - firstly "Crowdfunding" has been used as a buzz word for a good few people trying to enter the model railways market with very little capital. This poses problems as for each stage of development, theoretically you need all those subscribing to give you their money on time before the next stage commences. Secondly, accurate models take considerable time to go from initial concept, to research, design, CAD production, prototype (eg 3D print), tooling, 1st Engineering Sample, Testing, Livery Sample and Full Production. If people are crowdfunding from initial concept to assess viability, then there is going to be a long lead time of a couple of years, plus. Its whether modellers have the trust to part with cash, and the resolve to see models through, which has an effect as models progress. Longer time - more itchy feet! There is also the danger, that someone else is already working a a project of the same vehicle too, and they may get to market before your product. Thirdly, crowdfunding (in all its shapes and forms) is not for everyone. hence some companies permit retailers to stock their products, but of course there is a higher price to be paid. Via crowdfunding, each individual needs to assess the risks of each venture, and whether they are prepared to accept them, along with the potential reward of getting a model of "X" for their layout/display case! I think Revolution have met their commitments in a most exemplary manner. Yes, projects have suffered delays (possibly due to correcting errors, awaiting production capacity etc.), and some have not made production through lack of support, but when order books have been opened, models have progressed, and those that have been concluded so far, I believe have satisfied their respective crowdfunders/modellers. Likewise the quality has been superb, in the case of the "OO" TEA's that I ordered. Hence against this background, personally I would quite happily support further projects via this company, as I perceive it as very low risk, as long as I am prepared to wait to get my hands on a quality product. As I stated at the beginning - each modeller needs to be aware, and ultimately assess the risks of any project that they choose to take part in crowdfunding with. Crowdfunding, and all its derivatives rely on trust, transparency, good communication, reasonable timescales and the delivery of a high quality detailed product combined with good customer service. Best Regards, C.